Rotating Machine

Abstract

The electric components are cooled more efficiently than before. The electric motor comprises: a rotating machine housing, the rotating machine housing accommodating a rotor and a stator; an electric housing (113), the electric housing accommodating a switch unit as a high-speed semiconductor unit, and being adjacent to the rotating machine housing on one side and the other side in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the rotor (2), i.e., in the axial direction (directions of arrows A and B); an electric housing cover, the electric housing cover blocking an opening toward the other side at an end portion on the other side of the axial direction of the electric housing (113); and an electric refrigerant flow path, the electric refrigerant flow path allowing a refrigerant for cooling the switch unit in the electric housing (113) to flow, and at least a portion of the electric refrigerant flow path in the refrigerant flow direction is arranged in the electric housing (113), characterized in that a semiconductor module (164) of the switch unit constitutes a wall of at least said portion, and in at least said portion of the electric refrigerant flow path, the internal refrigerant is in direct contact with the semiconductor module (164).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a rotating machine such as a motor. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a rotating machine is known that includes a rotating machine casing that accommodates a rotor and a stator, an electrical casing that accommodates electrical components, an electrical cover that blocks an opening of the electrical casing, and an electrical refrigerant flow path for flowing a refrigerant for cooling the electrical casing or the electrical components in the electrical cover.

[0003] For example, the electric motor as a rotating machine described in Patent Document 1 includes: a frame as a rotating machine housing, a first frame body as an electrical equipment housing, a cover as an electrical equipment cover, and a second cooling liquid path as a refrigerant flow path for the electrical equipment. The frame houses a rotating part as a rotor and a fixed part as a stator. The first frame body houses a semiconductor switching element as an electrical component and is adjacent to the rotating machine housing on one side and the other side of the axial direction parallel to the rotation axis of the fixed part. In addition, the end of the first frame body on the other side of the axial direction has an opening facing the other side. The cover is fixed to the first frame body in a manner that blocks the above-mentioned opening of the first frame body. The second cooling liquid path is made of a pipe and is arranged in the first frame body in a manner that contacts the semiconductor switching element. Cooling liquid as a refrigerant flows in the second cooling liquid path.

[0004] According to the motor having this configuration, the semiconductor switching elements generated by driving can be cooled by the coolant in the second coolant path that contacts the semiconductor switching elements.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-147253 Summary of the Invention

[0008] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0009] However, in recent years, as motors have become increasingly faster and have higher torques, the amount of heat generated by electrical components such as semiconductor switching elements has tended to increase further, and more efficient cooling of the electrical components has been required.

[0010] The present invention has been made in view of the above background, and an object of the present invention is to provide a rotating machine capable of cooling electric components more efficiently than conventional ones.

[0011] Means for solving problems

[0012] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, a rotating machine of one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a rotating machine casing, which accommodates a rotor and a stator; an electrical casing, which accommodates electrical components and is adjacent to the rotating machine casing in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the rotor, that is, on one side and the other side in the axial direction; an electrical cover, which blocks the opening toward the other side at the end portion on the other side of the axial direction of the electrical casing; and an electrical refrigerant flow path, which allows the refrigerant used to cool the electrical components in the electrical casing or the electrical cover to flow, and at least a portion of the refrigerant flow direction of the electrical refrigerant flow path is arranged in the electrical casing, characterized in that the electrical components constitute a wall of at least said portion, and in at least said portion of the electrical refrigerant flow path, the internal refrigerant is in direct contact with the electrical components.

[0013] Effects of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, there is an excellent effect of being able to cool electrical components more efficiently than before. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 It is a diagram schematically showing the internal structure of the motor according to the embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a side view showing the motor cover, motor housing, electrical component housing, electrical component cover, and shaft of the motor.

[0017] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view showing the electrical component case from the rear side in the axial direction.

[0018] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view showing the electrical housing, cover-cum-shell unit, and switch unit of the motor from the rear side in the axial direction.

[0019] Figure 5 It is a perspective view showing the switch unit.

[0020] Figure 6 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the electrical housing.

[0021] Figure 7 This is a plan view showing the electrical component housing and the drive shaft from the rear side in the axial direction.

[0022] Figure 8 It is a longitudinal sectional view showing the motor housing, rotor, stator, and motor shaft of the motor.

[0023] Figure 9 This is a plan view showing the electrical equipment case from the front side in the axial direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] In the embodiments, for ease of understanding, the description of structures and elements other than the main parts of the present invention is simplified or omitted. In addition, in the drawings, the same elements are marked with the same reference numerals. It should be noted that the shapes, dimensions, etc. of the elements shown in the drawings are schematic and do not represent the actual shapes, dimensions, etc.

[0026] Figure 1 It is a diagram schematically showing the internal structure of the motor 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 2 It is a side view showing the motor cover 75 , the motor housing 10 , the electrical component housing 113 , the electrical component cover 70 , and the motor shaft 6 of the motor 1 .

[0027] like Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, the motor 1 includes a motor cover 75, a motor housing 10, an electrical housing 113, the electrical housing 70, and a motor shaft 6. The motor housing 10 houses a rotatable rotor 2, a stator 3 that houses the rotor 2 within its hollow interior, and a motor shaft 6 that passes through the rotor 2 so as to be located on the rotation axis Ax and rotates integrally with the rotor 2.

[0028] The motor cover 75 , the motor housing 10 , the electrical component housing 113 , and the electrical component cover 70 constitute a housing 105 as a whole.

[0029] Hereinafter, the direction along the rotation axis Ax of the rotor 2 and the direction parallel thereto are referred to as the axial direction. Furthermore, in the axial direction, the motor cover 75 side (load side) described later is referred to as the front side (one side), and the motor cover 75 side (opposite side to the load side) is referred to as the rear side (the other side). The front side is an example of one side in the present invention, and the rear side is an example of the other side in the present invention.

[0030] The motor housing 10 has an opening facing the front at its axial front end and an opening facing the rear at its axial rear end. The front opening is blocked by the motor cover 75. The rear opening is blocked by the electrical housing 113.

[0031] A coil (not shown) is wound around the stator 3. Furthermore, a permanent magnet (not shown) is disposed on the rotor core of the rotor 2. The motor 1 is an inner rotor type motor, and the stator 3 is disposed on the outer periphery of the rotor 2 with a small air gap therebetween. Within the motor housing 10, the magnetic field of the stator 3 is sequentially switched by controlling the current in the coils, thereby causing the rotor 2 to rotate about the motor shaft 6 through the attractive or repulsive force with the magnetic field of the rotor 2. The motor shaft 6 is rotatably supported by the bearing 5 on the front side in the axial direction, and by the bearing 4 on the rear side in the axial direction.

[0032] The electrical housing 113 is fixed to the motor housing 10 in a state adjacent to the axial rear end of the motor housing 10. Various electrical components for controlling the rotational drive of the motor shaft 6 and the rotor 2 are arranged in the electrical housing 113. Examples of the various electrical components include semiconductor switching elements (IGBT, etc.), gate substrates, capacitors, discharge resistors, and control substrates. These electrical components have the following functions: during power operation, the DC voltage from the battery (not shown) is converted into AC and supplied to the coil of the stator 3; during regeneration, the AC from the coil of the stator 3 is converted into DC supplied to the battery.

[0033] The electrical component housing 113 includes an opening 12 facing rearward at an axial rear end portion. This opening 12 is closed by the electrical component cover 70.

[0034] The frame 105 is composed of a motor cover 75, a motor housing 10, an electrical housing 113, and an electrical cover 70, and is installed on the body of the electric vehicle (not shown). The motor cover 75, the motor housing 10, the electrical housing 113, and the electrical cover 70 are respectively castings made of conductive metals such as aluminum alloy, and all have conductivity. Therefore, the frame 105 is electrically connected to the body via a mounting portion (not shown) on the body, and is equal to the ground potential of the body. It should be noted that, as needed, the frame 105 and the body can also be electrically connected using a ground wire.

[0035] Electrical housing 113 serves both as a portion of the rotating machine housing and as the electrical housing. More specifically, the axially front end of electrical housing 113 forms an internal space 113t on the axially rearward side of the rotating machine housing. Furthermore, the axially rearward side of electrical housing 113 includes an internal space 113u for accommodating electrical components. The former internal space 113t and the latter internal space 113u are separated by a partition wall 113a.

[0036] Figure 3 This is an exploded stereoscopic view showing the electrical housing 113 from the axial rear side. The electrical housing 113 includes a sensor housing 113b integrally formed with the partition wall 113a. That is, the sensor housing 113b is a part of the partition wall 113a. The axial rear end of the sensor housing 113b protrudes slightly to the rear side than the axial rear end face of the partition wall 113a. The sensor housing 113b is formed integrally with the partition wall 113a. The axial rear end of the sensor housing 113b opens toward the rear side. The peripheral wall of the sensor housing 113b protrudes in an embossed shape toward the motor space. A rotation detection sensor 130 such as a rotary transformer is accommodated in the sensor housing 113b. The motor shaft ( Figure 1 6). The rotation detection sensor 130 detects the motor shaft ( Figure 1 6) of the rotation, indirectly detecting the rotor ( Figure 1 2) Rotation.

[0037] A cover-and-housing unit 140 is located within the interior space 113u at the rear of the electrical housing 113. Constructed from a cast metal such as aluminum, the cover-and-housing unit 140 comprises a cover portion 141 and a flow path housing portion 142 located axially rearward of the cover portion 141. The cover-and-housing unit 140 is secured to the rear of the sensor housing 113b using multiple bolts 145. This securement allows the cover portion 141 of the cover-and-housing unit 140 to block the axial rearward opening of the sensor housing 113b. In this position, the axial rearward end face, or mating surface 113c, of the sensor housing 113b is bonded to the front end face, or mating surface, of the cover portion 141, which serves as the sensor cover. The flow path housing portion 142 of the cover-and-housing unit 140 is rectangular in shape and includes a rectangular intermediate space 142c. The flow path housing portion 142 opens axially rearward, with the intermediate space 142c located in front of this opening.

[0038] The sensor housing 113b and the cover / housing unit 140 each include a first fluid path (113f, 142a) extending in the axial direction and a second fluid path (113g, 142b) extending in the axial direction. A refrigerant such as cooling water flows through the first fluid path 113f and the second fluid path 113g of the sensor housing 113b, the first fluid path 142a and the second fluid path 142b of the cover / housing unit 140, and the intermediate space 142c.

[0039] The first and second fluid paths 113f, 113g of the sensor housing 113b are each provided with a communication port that opens toward the rear at their axially rearward ends. Meanwhile, the first and second fluid paths 142a, 142b of the cover-cum-housing unit 140 are each provided with a communication port that opens toward the front at their frontward ends. When the cover-cum-housing unit 140 is secured to the sensor housing 113b, the first fluid path 142a of the cover-cum-housing unit 140 and the first fluid path 113f of the sensor housing 113b communicate with each other via their communication ports. Furthermore, the second fluid path 142b of the cover-cum-housing unit 140 and the second fluid path 113g of the sensor housing 113b communicate with each other via their communication ports.

[0040] The mating surface 113c of the sensor housing 113b is provided with an annular groove 113d recessed axially forward and a semi-lunar gasket capture groove 113e recessed axially forward. The annular groove 113d surrounds the communication port of the first fluid passage 113f of the sensor housing 113b. A first O-ring 131 is embedded in the annular groove 113d.

[0041] First O-ring 131 surrounds the communication opening of first fluid passage 113f of sensor housing 113b and the communication opening of first fluid passage 142a of cover-cum-housing unit 140. Furthermore, first O-ring 131 is interposed between joint surface 113c of sensor housing 113b and the joint surface of cover portion 141 of cover-cum-housing unit 140. This prevents refrigerant from leaking through the gap between the two joint surfaces from the communication opening of first fluid passage 113f of sensor housing 113b and the communication opening of first fluid passage 142a of cover-cum-housing unit 140.

[0042] An annular groove 113h that is recessed toward the front side in the axial direction is provided on the joint surface 113c of the sensor housing 113b. The annular groove 113h surrounds the communication port of the second fluid path 113g. A second O-ring 132 is embedded in the annular groove 113h. The second O-ring 132 surrounds the communication port of the second fluid path 113g of the sensor housing 113b and the communication port of the second fluid path 142b of the cover-cum-shell unit 140, respectively. Furthermore, the second O-ring 132 is interposed between the joint surface 113c of the sensor housing 113b and the joint surface of the cover portion 141 of the cover-cum-shell unit 140. This prevents refrigerant from leaking through the gap between the joint surfaces between the communication port of the second fluid path 113g of the sensor housing 113b and the communication port of the second fluid path 142b of the cover-cum-shell unit 140.

[0043] A relay connector 143 is fixed to the axial rear end surface of the cover portion 141 of the cover-cum-housing unit 140. The sensor connector 130a of the rotation detection sensor 130 and the relay connector 143 are electrically connected via a wiring harness (not shown).

[0044] A sealant made of a solidified liquid gasket is placed on the joint surface 113c of the sensor housing 113b, with a predetermined width, surrounding the hollow portion of the sensor housing 113b. This sealant is interposed between the joint surface 113c of the sensor housing 113b and the joint surface of the cover portion 141 of the cover-and-housing unit 140. This interposition seals the hollow portion of the sensor housing 113b, improving its airtightness at a low cost.

[0045] On the mating surface 113c of the sensor housing 113b, a gasket capture groove 113e is located between the seal and the first O-ring 131 in the planar direction. The liquid gasket applied to the mating surface 113c of the sensor housing 113b solidifies, forming a seal. When the mating surface 113c of the sensor housing 113b and the mating surface of the cover portion 141 of the cover-housing unit 140 are joined, the liquid gasket spreads in the planar direction between the two mating surfaces. Even if the liquid gasket spreads in this manner, the expanded portion flows into the gasket capture groove 113e before reaching the first O-ring 131, preventing further expansion. Thus, the gasket capture groove 113e prevents the liquid gasket from adhering to the first O-ring 131, thereby preventing degradation of the first O-ring 131 caused by the liquid gasket's adhesion.

[0046] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view showing the electrical component case 113 , the cover / case unit 140 , and the switch unit 162 from the rear side in the axial direction. Figure 5 It is a perspective view showing the switch unit 162 . Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view showing the electrical component housing 113 .

[0047] A joint surface 142e is provided at the rear end of the flow path housing portion 142 of the cover / housing unit 140. The switch unit 162 engages with this joint surface 142e. Specifically, the joint surface 142e includes a plurality of internally threaded holes 142d. By threading external threads 169 into each of the internally threaded holes 142d, the switch unit 162 is threadedly secured and joined to the joint surface 142e. This joint closes the opening of the flow path housing portion 142 of the cover / housing unit 140.

[0048] Switch unit 162, an electrical component, includes a gate substrate 163 and a semiconductor module 164 sealed within an exterior member made of insulating resin. Multiple semiconductor switching elements, such as IGBTs (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors), are mounted within semiconductor module 164. Semiconductor module 164 is fixed to the surface opposite the mounting surface of gate substrate 163.

[0049] A control board (not shown) is located within the interior space 113u of the electrical housing 113. This board is electrically connected to the relay connector 143 via a wiring harness (not shown). This electrical connection transmits the detection signal from the rotation detection sensor 130 to the control board via the relay connector 143. Furthermore, this board is electrically connected to the gate board 163 via a second wiring harness (not shown). This electrical connection transmits on / off command signals for the high-speed switching elements from the control board to the gate board 163.

[0050] The semiconductor module 164 includes three DC anode terminals 164a and three DC cathode terminals 164b. Furthermore, the semiconductor module 164 includes a U-phase terminal 164U, a V-phase terminal 164V, and a W-phase terminal 164W of an AC three-phase power supply. The anode of the DC external power supply (the aforementioned battery) is connected to each of the three DC anode terminals 164a. Furthermore, the cathode of the DC external power supply is connected to each of the three DC cathode terminals 164b. The switch unit 162 converts the DC power supplied from the DC external power supply into an AC three-phase power supply of a desired frequency. The U-phase, V-phase, and W-phase phases of the AC three-phase power supply are output from the U-phase terminal 164U, the V-phase terminal 164V, and the W-phase terminal 164W.

[0051] The U-phase, V-phase, and W-phase terminals 164U, 164V, and 164W are connected via a U-phase relay busbar (not shown), a V-phase relay busbar (not shown), and a W-phase relay busbar (not shown). The U-phase, V-phase, and W-phase power is supplied to the coils of the stator 3 of the motor unit 102 via a U-phase busbar 161U, a V-phase busbar 161V, and a W-phase busbar 161W.

[0052] On the partition wall 113a of the electrical housing 113, a liquid inflow path 113j (see Figure 6 ) and the liquid outflow path 113k formed by the hollow shell (refer to Figure 6 ). The liquid inflow path 113j is connected to the second liquid path 113g of the sensor housing 113b. In addition, the liquid outflow path 113k is connected to the first liquid path 113f of the sensor housing 113b. Figure 6 As shown by the arrow, the refrigerant such as cooling water sent from the outside flows into the liquid inflow path 113j. The inflowing refrigerant flows into the relay space 142c through the second liquid path 113g of the sensor housing 113b and the second liquid path 142b of the cover and shell unit 140. Then, the refrigerant in the relay space 142c flows through the first liquid path ( Figure 3 142a), the first liquid path 113f of the sensor housing 113b, and the liquid outflow path 113k to the outside.

[0053] The semiconductor module 164 of the switch unit 162 is heated by driving the plurality of semiconductor switch elements located therein. On the other hand, the refrigerant flowing in the relay space 142c directly contacts the back surface of the semiconductor module 164 of the switch unit 162 and flows to the first liquid path ( Figure 3 142a), thereby directly cooling the switching unit 162. Through such direct cooling, the semiconductor switching elements located in the semiconductor module 164 are efficiently cooled.

[0054] In the motor 1 , the following fluid paths constitute an electrical refrigerant flow path.

[0055] Liquid inflow path 113j

[0056] The second fluid path 113g of the sensor housing 113b

[0057] The second fluid path 142b of the cover-cum-housing unit 140

[0058] Relay Space 142c

[0059] The first fluid passage 142a of the cover-cum-housing unit 140

[0060] The first fluid path 113f of the sensor housing 113b

[0061] Liquid outflow path 113k

[0062] A refrigerant such as cooling water is supplied to the electrical component refrigerant flow path 113j by a pump (not shown). The intermediate space 142c, the first fluid path 142a of the cover / housing unit 140, and the second fluid path 142b of the cover / housing unit 140 in the electrical component refrigerant flow path are located within the interior space 113u (the space housing the electrical components) of the electrical component housing 113. Meanwhile, the liquid inflow path 113j, the liquid outflow path 113k, the first fluid path 113f of the sensor housing 113b, and the second fluid path 113g of the sensor housing 113b are located within the interior space 113t (the space functioning as part of the rotating machine housing) of the electrical component housing 113.

[0063] The semiconductor modules 164 of the switch unit 162 form a portion of the wall of the intermediate space 142c for the refrigerant flowing in the intermediate space 142c. The refrigerant in the intermediate space 142c flows downstream while directly contacting the back surface of the semiconductor modules 164.

[0064] In this structure, compared with the existing structure (such as the structure described in Patent Document 1) in which the wall of the electrical refrigerant flow path formed of a pipe is interposed between the refrigerant in the electrical refrigerant flow path and the electrical components, the electrical components (switch unit 162) can be cooled more efficiently.

[0065] In the electrical component housing 113, the end portion on the axially forward side (the side indicated by arrow A in the figure) of the partition wall 113a functions as a portion of the rotating machine housing. Furthermore, the liquid inflow path 113j functions as the upstream end portion of the electrical component refrigerant flow path in the refrigerant flow direction. Furthermore, the liquid outflow path 113k functions as the downstream end portion of the electrical component refrigerant flow path in the refrigerant flow direction.

[0066] As shown in the figure, the liquid inflow path 113j and the liquid outflow path 113k are respectively arranged at a position in front of the rear side of the partition wall 113a in the axial direction. In this structure, the layout freedom of various electrical components in the electrical housing 113 can be further improved. Specifically, in the electrical housing 113, a space ( Figure 1 By placing the liquid inflow path 113j and the liquid outflow path 113k on the front side of the partition wall 113a, the layout freedom of the various electrical components in the electrical housing 113 can be further increased.

[0067] Figure 7 This is a top view of the electrical housing 113 and the drive shaft 106 from the rear side in the axial direction. As shown in this figure, the drive shaft 106 is arranged on the side of the electrical housing 113. The electrical housing 113 has a recessed portion 113p for avoiding contact with the drive shaft 106. The drive shaft 106 is arranged so that a portion of the circumference of the drive shaft 106 is located within the recess of the recessed portion 113p. In this structure, the distance between the drive shaft 106 and the electrical housing 113 can be shortened compared to a case without the recessed portion 113p, thereby achieving miniaturization of the motor 1.

[0068] As shown in the figure, the shape of the liquid outflow path 113k is a shape that does not extend in a straight line on the plane of the partition wall 113a but is crank-shaped. In this structure, the layout freedom of various electrical components in the electrical housing 113 can be improved. Specifically, the double arrows in the figure indicate the vertical direction. In addition, the arrow C direction indicates the upper direction, and the arrow D indicates the lower direction. The motor 1 is designed on the premise that the electrical housing 113 is set in a manner as shown in the figure. In the electrical housing 113, as shown in the figure, it is preferred to adopt a layout in which the cover and shell unit 140 is located in the center in the vertical direction. In the above layout, as shown in the figure, by arranging the liquid inflow path 113j near the center in the vertical direction of the electrical housing 113, the liquid inflow path 113j can be extended in the horizontal direction and the length of the liquid inflow path 113j can be minimized. However, in the above configuration, if the liquid outflow path 113k is positioned on the axis L of the liquid inflow path 113j, the position of the liquid outflow path 113k will conflict with the position of the drive shaft 106, making it impossible to configure the liquid outflow path 113k. Therefore, it is necessary to configure the liquid inflow path 113j, the liquid outflow path 113k, and the cover-and-housing unit 140 in a position slightly upward or downward. However, due to the limited space within the electrical housing 113, adopting the above configuration is very difficult. On the other hand, if the liquid outflow path 113k is shaped like a crank as shown in the figure, even if the cover-and-housing unit 140 is positioned in the center in the vertical direction as shown in the figure, the conflict between the position of the liquid outflow path 113k and the position of the drive shaft 106 can be avoided. Therefore, the layout freedom of the various electrical components within the electrical housing 113 can be increased.

[0069] Figure 8 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the motor housing 10, rotor 2, stator 3, and motor shaft 6. The motor housing 10 includes a first oil passage 10a, a second oil passage 10b, a front drain hole 10c, and a rear drain hole 10d. The first oil passage 10a, the second oil passage 10b, the front drain hole 10c, and the rear drain hole 10d are each formed by a hollow portion provided in the motor housing 10.

[0070] The first oil passage 10a and the second oil passage 10b each function as a part of a refrigerant flow path for a rotary machine, which allows cooling oil, which is a refrigerant for cooling the interior space of the motor housing 10, to flow. The first oil passage 10a and the second oil passage 10b are provided via a motor housing ( Figure 2 The first oil passage 10a and the second oil passage 10b are connected to each other in the form of relay oil passages (not shown) of FIG75. In addition, the first oil passage 10a and the second oil passage 10b are respectively extended in the axial direction and are arranged in a point-symmetrical position with respect to the rotation axis Ax.

[0071] The cooling oil stored in the interior of the motor housing 10 is drawn into the first oil passage 10a by an electric oil pump (not shown). Within the first oil passage 10a, as indicated by arrow E in the figure, the cooling oil flows from the axial rear side (arrow B side) to the front side (arrow A side). It then flows into the second oil passage 10b via the relay oil passage described above. Within the second oil passage 10b, as indicated by arrow F in the figure, the cooling oil flows from the axial front side to the rear side.

[0072] The front discharge hole 10c communicates with the axial front portion of the second oil passage 10b and the interior space of the motor housing 10. A portion of the cooling oil flowing in the second oil passage 10b is discharged toward the coil of the stator 3 through the front discharge hole 10c.

[0073] The rear discharge hole 10d communicates with the axial rear portion of the second oil passage 10b and the interior space of the motor housing 10. A portion of the cooling oil flowing in the second oil passage 10b is discharged toward the coils of the stator 3 through the rear discharge hole 10d.

[0074] Figure 9 This is a top view of the electrical housing 113 from the front side in the axial direction. The partition wall 113a of the electrical housing 113 has a plurality of ribs 113a-1 on the axial front side surface for reinforcing the partition wall 113a. The plurality of ribs 113a-1 are arranged in a manner that they extend radially with the rotation axis Ax as the center and are arranged circumferentially with the rotation axis Ax as the center. Two ribs 113a-1 that are adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction among the plurality of ribs 113a-1 form a groove 113a-2 that extends radially. The radially outer end of the groove 113a-2 is aligned with the motor housing ( Figure 8 The second oil circuit (10) Figure 8 The cooling oil flowing to the axially rearward end of the second oil passage 110b flows into the radially outer end of groove 113a-2. Groove 113a-2 directs the cooling oil from the radially outer side to the inner side, guiding it toward bearing 4. This improves the cooling efficiency of the bearing portion of motor shaft 6. Furthermore, the two ribs 113a-1 can each serve as the sidewalls of groove 113a-2, thereby reducing costs.

[0075] While the present invention has been described as being applied to a motor 1, it can also be applied to a generator (dynamo). The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment; within the scope of the configuration to which the present invention can be applied, configurations different from those in the embodiment may be employed. The present invention exhibits unique effects in each of the following embodiments.

[0076] [First Method]

[0077] A rotating machine (e.g., motor 1) of a first embodiment includes: a rotating machine housing (e.g., motor housing 10) that houses a rotor (e.g., rotor 2) and a stator (e.g., stator 3); an electrical housing (e.g., electrical housing 113) that houses electrical components and is adjacent to the rotating machine housing on the other of one side (e.g., front side) and the other side (e.g., rear side) in the axial direction parallel to the rotation axis (e.g., rotation axis Ax) of the rotor; and an electrical cover (e.g., electrical cover 70) that is disposed in the axial direction of the electrical housing. The end on the other side blocks the opening toward the other side (for example, opening 12); and a refrigerant flow path for electrical equipment, wherein the refrigerant flow path for electrical equipment allows the refrigerant used to cool the electrical equipment casing or the electrical equipment components in the electrical equipment cover to flow, and at least a portion of the refrigerant flow direction of the refrigerant flow path for electrical equipment is arranged in the electrical equipment casing, and is characterized in that the electrical equipment components (for example, the switch unit 162) constitute the wall of at least said portion, and in at least said portion of the refrigerant flow path for electrical equipment, the internal refrigerant is in direct contact with the electrical equipment components.

[0078] This configuration allows for efficient cooling of the electrical components (switch unit 162 ) compared to a conventional configuration in which a wall of the electrical component refrigerant flow path formed of a pipe is interposed between the refrigerant in the electrical component refrigerant flow path and the electrical components.

[0079] [Second Method]

[0080] The second mode is a rotating machine having the structure of the first mode, characterized in that the upstream end (for example, the liquid inflow path 113j) and the downstream end (for example, the liquid outflow path 113k) of the refrigerant flow direction in the electrical refrigerant flow path are respectively arranged inside the rotating machine casing.

[0081] In this structure, the degree of freedom in the layout of various electrical components in the electrical housing can be further improved.

[0082] [Third Method]

[0083] The third mode is a rotating machine having the structure of the second mode, characterized in that the rotating machine casing has a rotating machine refrigerant flow path for flowing a refrigerant for cooling the internal space, and a partition wall (e.g., partition wall 113a) that separates the internal space of the rotating machine casing (e.g., internal space 113t) and the internal space of the electrical equipment casing (e.g., internal space 113u) has a plurality of ribs (e.g., rib 113a-1) on one side of the axial direction for reinforcing the partition wall, and the plurality of ribs are arranged in a radial direction extending around the rotation axis and arranged circumferentially around the rotation axis, and two ribs adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction among the plurality of ribs form a groove (e.g., groove 113a-2) extending along the radial direction, and the groove constitutes a part of the rotating machine refrigerant flow path and guides the refrigerant from the radial outside to the radial inside.

[0084] In this structure, the cooling efficiency of the bearing portion of the motor shaft can be improved, and the two ribs can be used also as side walls of the groove, thereby achieving cost reduction.

[0085] [Fourth Method]

[0086] In a rotating machine having a third-type structure, it is characterized in that the shape of at least one of the upstream end (for example, the liquid inflow path 113j) and the downstream end (for example, the liquid outflow path 113k) in the refrigerant flow direction in the electrical refrigerant flow path is not a straight line extending in the plane of the partition wall but a crank-shaped bending shape.

[0087] In this structure, the degree of freedom in the layout of various electrical components in the electrical housing can be further improved.

[0088] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-693, filed on January 5, 2022, and incorporates by reference all of the contents described in that Japanese Patent Application.

[0089] Description of Reference Numerals

[0090] 1 Motor (rotating machine), 2 Rotor, 3 Stator, 10 Motor housing (part of the rotating machine housing), 12 Opening, 70 Electrical equipment cover, 113 Electrical equipment housing (another part of the rotating machine housing and the electrical equipment housing), 113a Partition wall, 113a-1 Rib, 113a-2 Groove, 113j Liquid inflow path (upstream end of the electrical equipment refrigerant flow path), 113k Liquid outflow path (downstream end of the electrical equipment refrigerant flow path), 113f First liquid path of the sensor housing (part of the electrical equipment refrigerant flow path), 113g Second liquid path of the sensor housing (part of the electrical equipment refrigerant flow path), 142a First liquid path of the cover-and-housing unit (part of the electrical equipment refrigerant flow path), 142b Second liquid path of the cover-and-housing unit (part of the electrical equipment refrigerant flow path), 142c Relay space (part of the electrical equipment refrigerant flow path), 162 Switch unit (electrical equipment component)

Claims

1. A rotating machine, comprising: a rotating machine casing, the rotating machine casing accommodating a rotor and a stator; an electrical casing, the electrical casing accommodating electrical components and adjacent to the rotating machine casing on the other side of one side and the other side in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotor, i.e., an electrical cover, the electrical cover blocking an opening toward the other side at an end portion on the other side of the axial direction of the electrical casing; and an electrical refrigerant flow path, the electrical refrigerant flow path allowing a refrigerant for cooling the electrical components in the electrical casing or the electrical cover to flow, and at least a portion of the electrical refrigerant flow path in the refrigerant flow direction is arranged in the electrical casing, characterized in that The electrical component constitutes at least the part of the wall, In at least the portion of the electrical component refrigerant flow path, the refrigerant inside is in direct contact with the electrical component. The electrical equipment casing includes a partition wall that partitions the internal space of the rotating machine casing and the internal space of the electrical equipment casing. The partition wall has a plurality of ribs on one side of the axial direction for reinforcing the partition wall. The plurality of ribs are arranged so as to extend in a radial direction with the rotation axis as the center and to be arranged in a circumferential direction with the rotation axis as the center. Two ribs adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction among the plurality of ribs form a groove extending in the radial direction, The groove constitutes a part of a refrigerant flow path for the rotary machine and guides the refrigerant from the outer side to the inner side in the radial direction.

2. A rotating machine, comprising: a rotating machine casing, the rotating machine casing accommodating a rotor and a stator; an electrical casing, the electrical casing accommodating electrical components and adjacent to the rotating machine casing on one side and the other side in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotor, i.e., an electrical cover, the electrical cover blocking an opening toward the other side at an end portion on the other side of the axial direction of the electrical casing; and an electrical refrigerant flow path, the electrical refrigerant flow path allowing a refrigerant for cooling the electrical components in the electrical casing or the electrical cover to flow, and at least a portion of the electrical refrigerant flow path in the refrigerant flow direction is arranged in the electrical casing, characterized in that The electrical component constitutes at least the part of the wall, In at least the portion of the electrical component refrigerant flow path, the refrigerant inside is in direct contact with the electrical component. The electrical equipment casing includes a partition wall that partitions the internal space of the rotating machine casing and the internal space of the electrical equipment casing. The partition wall includes a sensor housing for accommodating a rotation detection sensor. The sensor housing is provided with the electrical component refrigerant flow path.

Images